TV

Corrie favourite reportedly recovering after hospitalisation for “mystery illness”

He's been a cobbles fave since 1974

He’s been a regular on the Street for decades, and his fuss-pot ways and buttoned-up nature have made his character, Norris Cole, a firm favourite with viewers.

But actor Malcolm Hebden was recently admitted to hospital with an undisclosed condition.

The Mirror says that the 76-year-old star is now recovering after his bout of poorliness, and although no details about the exact nature of his condition have been released, it is said to have come six years after a previous health scare.

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On that occasion, back in 2012, Malcolm became ill whilst at work on the Corrie set in Manchester, and after being checked over by studio medics was reportedly taken to hospital for further tests in A&E.

Although Malcolm first joined the Street in 1974, it was in a small role as a character called Carlos – the Spanish lover of Mavis Riley.

When he returned in 1994, it was as Norris Cole, and he was introduced to the cobbles as a friend of Derek Wilton.

And despite being written out for  spell in 1997, before making a full time comeback in 1999, he has been a favourite member of the cast, with some memorable storylines.

These included revealing the true intentions of killer Richard Hillman, and more recently, marrying Mary Taylor in order to win the holiday of a lifetime in a radio phone in competition.

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Their unlikely romance began when Mary tried a variety of ways to seduce Norris, including kidnapping him and holding him captive in a remote cottage when he refused to respond to her advances.

Despite their shakey start, the pair eventually became good friends, culminating in their 2017 marriage (of somewhat convenience…)

While Corrie bosses have made no comment on Malcolm’s current health status, reports suggest that he is now on the mend.

So hopefully it won’t be too long before we see him back behind the counter of the Kabin doing what he does best; busybodying and fusspotting!

Get well soon, Malcolm.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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